Friday, August 8, 2014

Pennsylvania Criminal Records

By Ben Kingsley


Pennsylvania uses an online database system to manage it public records. The office responsible for keeping track of PA criminal records is the Central Repository of the Pennsylvania State Police. The said office also handles the database they call as PATCH or the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal Records.

PATCH was designed to help deliver information to the public. It is the tool used by the local government of Pennsylvania to monitor the criminal files of the state. One of the documents that can be accessed through the so called database is the arrest records. One good thing about this relatively new technology is that anyone can use it. This means that even those who are not registered are allowed to request for any type of document they need. However, this comes with a few limitations. Since Pennsylvania strictly implements the criminal code, the information that can be obtained from a public arrest or criminal record is controlled.

Some information is kept private and is not available for public access. An example of this is the name of the witnesses as well as the investigator who was in charge of the case. This was done to protect the safety of the individuals involved in the incident. If the record involves a minor, such document is kept private and is only accessible by authorized individuals. In case where the case is still being investigated, the criminal record is only made open once the case has been closed. This was done to avoid any alterations on the document or bias on the decisions during the investigation.

The state will only allow its residents to obtain a copy of their personal information. Only authorized individuals such as employers, organizations and government agencies can gain access to the files of other people. A search using the name can be done for only $10 while a fingerprint search will cost $15 per request. The Pennsylvania Access to criminal history records will only allow authorities to do a fingerprint scan; otherwise the search is only possible with a name search.

Aside from the online system, one can personally request it at the State Police Central Repository office of the state. Before going to the office, the state recommends downloading the form online to help speed up the process. The form has to be submitted to the said office and payment has to be made with a check amounting to $10 only or a money order. All of the necessary information has to be indicated on the form which can aid in the retrieval process. Also, the one who requested the file will be required to provide their contact details as well. This will only be used to track and document the access to the file.

Now that the Internet is used to easily get information, criminal records are now also very easy to obtain. The search online can minimized the need to go to the government office. A lot of websites offer to retrieve a copy of a criminal recd while some of this website would offer criminal records free to public users. Websites offer their free service to get more attention and convert visitors to potential customers.




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